London Stansted has reported a record year of passenger traffic as it pushes ahead with a £1.1bn expansion plan unveiled in the Autumn Budget.

The hub to the North East of London welcomed 29.8m passengers in 2024, a 5.8 per cent increase on the previous record of 28.1m in 2019.

It followed the airport’s busiest ever December, which saw 2.23m festive flyers pass through.

Stansted boss Gareth Powell hailed a “fantastic year” and forecast a busy 2025.

“Our success continues to be driven by the endless possibilities to travel affordably and conveniently from London Stansted with the choice of around fantastic 200 destinations, plus the reliable and efficient airport operation we are able to deliver for our passengers,” he added.

The airport is due to begin work on its landmark £1.1bn investment plan in 2025, following confirmation by the government in October’s Autumn Budget.

The centrepiece of the proposals involve a £600m extension of its terminal, with new shops, bars and seating areas.